"Here we go again," said Largo police Chief Lester Aradi as he sat before commissioners to pitch the idea to commissioners.

"And we have six again," replied Mayor Bob Jackson.

Police Department officials came up with the idea about two years ago when they wanted to replace the 9mm handguns currently used by Largo officers with the more powerful .40-caliber semiautomatics. The department thought it could defray some of the cost of the new weapons by selling the 9mm guns to the officers for $150 apiece. Police supervisors believe about 50 officers would be interested in purchasing their old weapons.

The other option was to destroy the 9mm weapons.

Commissioners last month approved paying $83,992.50 for the new weapons, but at that meeting split on allowing officers to buy the 9mm guns. Some commissioners are worried about the guns getting into the wrong hands,

"I know the officers know how to use them, and they're proficient with them, but there are family members and children who may not be," Commissioner Pat Gerard said in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

Seeking to allay such concerns, Aradi told commissioners he would prohibit his officers from selling or transferring ownership of the weapons. Aradi would also demand that the officers buy a gun lock, requiring the officer to show him proof they purchased such a device.

Laurance had faith that the officers could be trusted with the weapons.

"I'm a firm believer that if you have the paperwork, you should be able to bear arms," she said shortly before the meeting.